Parallel by Lauren Miller
Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Libraries were full of ideas–perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.
Wow this was a fantastic book! I am not surprised to discover that this was originally written years ago on fictionpress and has only more recently been edited and published by a professional publishing house – it’s beautifully written and really packs a punch! This is one of those Young Adult novels that really gets it right, the world building is simply brilliant, I loved this war torn land and can’t wait to find out more about the magical elements that have been driven underground. The characters and character development is handled well and the writing is filled with witty banter. Even though the book is 400 odd pages it’s a fast read – highly entertaining.
This is the story of Celaena a teenage girl who also happens to be the most feared assassin of Ardalan. At some point prior to this book taking place, Celaena is betrayed and caught and the book starts with her imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier where prisoners are sent to work to the death. Where most prisoners die within mere months, Celaena has managed to last a year so far without breaking her spirit. Enter the handsome prince Dorian who gives Celaena a chance at freedom if she will compete as his contender to become the King’s champion against other criminals all desperate for pardons and a fabulous salary. Things start getting scary when something starts killing off competitors one by one and Celaena is determined to find out and stop whatever it is before it comes after her.
What I loved most about this story was the character of Celaena, I just found her so relatable. She was strong, intelligent and confident and not in the least bit ashamed to admit it. She was also scarred and vulnerable with a traumatic past that is continuously alluded to in the story – it just made me want to give her a great big hug. There are elements of a love triangle in this novel but it’s a weak one – romance is definitely not a major part of this story it just enhances your understanding of the characters and gives you an insight into their personalities. The crown prince Dorian is well done, given his background as a pampered ladies man he could have been so unlikeable but he is witty and the flaws just give him room for growth and he definitely grows during this novel. The other love interest is captain of the royal guard and Dorian’s best friend Chaol, who is the strong silent type. Now this is a man I think many women would get behind, behind that tough battle strong exterior is a vulnerable man just waiting for the right woman to love him and make things all better. I will be very surprised if this isn’t who Celaena ends up with in the end though I’m sure many would disagree with me!
The world of Ardalan is beautifully depicted and I really need to go and read all the prequels that Maas released to see if you get further information into the wars and loss of the magic in the world. I’m also interested to find out more about the assassins’ guild that is mentioned numerous times when hearing about Celaena’s past.
There is simply so many hints and references given in this beautifully told story that I just can’t wait to see where things head in the future sequels. This was a wonderful fantasy story I enjoyed it immensely and Celaena is a fantastic heroine and role model for a Young Adult crowd.
Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury UK & ANZ for providing me with a copy of this novel for review. Throne of Glass is released on 2nd August 2012 and I most definitely recommend you clicking on the links below and pre-ordering your copy!
Rating 
| Author | Sarah J. Maas |
|---|---|
| Book series | Throne of Glass: Book #1 |
| Genre | Fantasy / Young Adult |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury |
| Published | August 2012 |
| Source | Netgalley ARC |
| More |
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas at Goodreads Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas at Amazon Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas at The Book Depository |
40 Comments:
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Astri Nasthasia Videlia says:
Wow.. great cover… and your review feel more curious than before…
Philippa says:
I really liked both the US and the UK/AU covers but felt this one fit the book better hence why I used it in my post
Hannah @ Once Upon A Time says:
I absolutely ADORE this book. Glad you do too!
Philippa says:
It was awesome
I’m so glad Ang got approved too so she can read it and share in its epicness 
M. C. says:
I like this cover better!
Philippa says:
I think I do too – but I like the US one as well, it’s a hard choice
Rebecca Hipworth says:
This book sounds AMAZING! Thanks for the great review. I still prefer the US cover to this one though. Which one do you prefer?
Philippa says:
Originally I preferred the US cover but after reading the book I think I prefer this UK/ANZ one better, it just fits the story a lot more. Both covers are pretty amazing though!
Stephanie says:
I think this book sounds so good, I am so excited for it!! I love that the character is relatable like you said, can’t wait to read about her!
Philippa says:
You’ll love it – hope you get your hands on a copy soon!
Danielle D says:
I was in love with this book when I first saw the cover(s). Along with how the front and back look so different. Looking foward to getting my hands on this also.
Philippa says:
Oooh I haven’t seen the back cover – will have to try and hunt it down!
Sharon @ Fictionally Inclined says:
Aaah, I can’t wait to read this! I love strong heroines, and the story sounds so uniquely fantastic. It’s good to know it lives up to the hype.
Philippa says:
It is truly WONDERFUL
Xia says:
I’m dying to read this book! It sounds really good. I can’t wait to read it.
Philippa says:
Definitely worth reading when it comes out!
Natalie Cleary says:
Great review. I cant wait for this book!! Love the cover
Philippa says:
Thanks – it is a great cover!
Andrea @ Book Stalkers says:
Awesome review! I’ve been dying to read this!!
Philippa says:
Thanks! Hope you get a chance to read it shortly
Lindaaah says:
ahhh great review! The book sounds frexing amazing!
Philippa says:
It was awesome! Hope you get a copy soon
Aline Tobing says:
I read the blurb and some reviews of this book weeks ago and decided I have to read it when it comes out in August! Nice review. But I prefer the other cover lol
Philippa says:
Both the covers are awesome – it was a hard pick to decide which to use
I’ll be interested to see if you still prefer it after reading the book!
Lynn K says:
Darn! And I thought it couldn’t be possible to fan my WANT for Throne of Glass even more. Great review! I can’t wait for August!! >.<
Philippa says:
I feel super lucky that I got to review it early! I really did enjoy it
Aisya says:
Interesting
)
Jennifer says:
Great review, as always
I really, REALLY want to read this now!! It sounds so interesting and I might actually like all the characters, haha. Plus assassin?! Awesome! Too bad I have to wait to August T_T
And I love the quote on the back of the book… I couldn’t be more spot on
Jennifer says:
*It can’t be more spot on, not I couldn’t be more spot on, lol.
Philippa says:
Not too much longer till release now!
ntzee says:
great review! Ive read so many good things about this book! can’t wait to read it. =)
Philippa says:
I feel so lucky that I got approved to read an advanced copy!
airhead says:
I’ve heard of this book a lot but didn’t know much about it until I read your review. And now I really want to read it! Gotta say though, I prefer the US cover because this one kind of creeps me out
Philippa says:
I quite like the manga feel of this one
Though I did find the US one better before I read the actual book!
Review: Throne of Glass, Sarah J Maas - The Oaken BookcaseThe Oaken Bookcase says:
[...] “This was a wonderful fantasy story. I enjoyed it immensely and Celaena is a fantastic heroine and role model for a Young Adult crowd.” - 5/5 - Philippa of Tea, Daydreams & Fairytales [...]
Lilian sweety white says:
great review, its make me want to speed up my waiting list to get this book
Philippa says:
It’s a fabulous book -I hope you get a chance to read it soon!
Elena says:
I loved this book
Philippa says:
It was a fantastic book – I can wait for book 2!
Aline Tobing says:
I read this last month and I loved it!
A little bit slow at first but still good
I prefer the hardback copy, though ^^